Search Results (1,250)

This study investigated the occurrence, dissipation, and dietary risks of four pesticides (difenoconazole (DIF), prochloraz (PRO), spinosad (SPI), dinotefuran (DIN)) and their metabolites in pomegranates through nationwide field trials across six Chinese production regions. Results indicated that SPI and DIN dissipated within 7–14 days, while DIF and PRO had longer half-lives (4.91–12.90 days). All pesticide residues remained confined to peels without penetrating arils. Terminal residues were below China’s MRLs. While deterministic and probabilistic risk assessments confirmed acceptable acute and chronic risks from pomegranate consumption alone (%ARfD: 0.09–17.66%; %ADI: 0.21–17.65%), comprehensive multi-crop dietary assessment revealed unacceptable chronic exposure risks for children aged under 11 years (%ADI: 56.1–155%). The non-carcinogenic risk (%HQ) for PRO from pomegranate consumption was 2.1–21.0%, indicating acceptable safety. The study provides data for safe pesticide use while highlighting the urgent need to protect vulnerable pediatric populations from cumulative pesticide exposure across multiple food sources. Full article

The Lower Passaic River (LPR), located within the New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuarine System, has experienced long-term industrial activities, resulting in elevated concentrations of trace metals in sediment and water. This study aims to assess the bioaccumulation behavior, potential human health risks, and sources of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in the LPR. Trace metal concentrations were measured in water, sediment, and seven edible aquatic species. Data were analyzed using statistical approaches, and evaluated by bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) and human health risk assessments based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) guidelines. Results showed that Hg exhibited the highest bioaccumulation potential among the studied metals, except for Cu in Callinectes sapidus. Non-carcinogenic risks from the consumption of aquatic species followed the order Cu > Hg > Pb, with total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) values below 1, suggesting the non-carcinogenic health risk is negligible for adults and for most species in children, except C. sapidus and Morone americana. Carcinogenic risks for all species were within the acceptable threshold (Target Risk < 1 × 10⁻⁴). Sensitivity analysis indicated that body weight and exposure duration primarily influenced children’s carcinogenic risk, whereas trace metal concentrations were more significant for adults. Overall, this study provides insight into contaminant dynamics and health implications in a legacy-contaminated urban river system. Full article

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies affecting women worldwide. Among environmental risk factors, increasing attention has been given to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which can interfere with hormonal signaling pathways. Chronic exposure to these compounds, even at low doses, may lead to molecular changes that initiate carcinogenesis or promote tumor progression. Owing to EDCs’ resistance to degradation and ability to bioaccumulate in organisms and the environment, they pose a growing concern for human health. They can mimic or block natural hormones by binding to receptors, such as estrogen, progesterone, aryl hydrocarbon, or thyroid-stimulating receptors, disrupting hormone synthesis, secretion, and metabolism. They have shown the ability to initiate carcinogenic changes in breast tissue or accelerate cancer progression. This review focuses on the relationship between EDC exposure and breast cancer, examining both their mechanisms of action and long-term health effects. Compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls, parabens, phenols, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, diethylhexyl phthalate, and bisphenol A, which are frequently encountered in everyday products, are discussed in detail. By presenting European Union guidelines and exploring EDCs’ biological activity and pathways of endocrine disruption, we aimed to raise awareness of their potential risks and emphasize the need for further research. Full article

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are chronic immune-mediated disorders characterized by mucosal injury, cycles of inflammation and repair, and tissue damage. Persistent inflammation accelerates epithelial turnover, generates oxidative and replication stress, and remodels the stromal niche, contributing to the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Systematic dysplasia surveillance remains essential. Cellular senescence has emerged as a unifying mechanism linking inflammation, impaired epithelial repair, fibrosis, and neoplasia. In UC, p16/p21 upregulation, telomere erosion, and loss of lamin B1 accumulate and adopt a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) that perpetuates barrier dysfunction. In CD, senescence within stem and stromal compartments limits regeneration, promotes pro-fibrotic remodeling, and sustains cycles of injury and repair via chronic SASP signaling. IBD prevalence continues to rise from environmental factors, dietary changes, antibiotic exposures, and gut microbiota alterations. Pathogenesis integrates genetic factors (e.g., NOD2, IL23R, HLA, and ATG16L1 mutations), environmental modifiers, dysbiosis characterized by loss of short-chain fatty-acid-producing Gram-positive bacteria and expansion of Proteobacteria, and a dysregulated immune system. Therapeutic strategies have shifted toward targeted biologics and small molecules to promote mucosal healing. In this review, we recapitulate the mechanistic axes of inflammation, oxidative stress, and senescence in IBD and then critically evaluate emerging targeted therapies. Topics include anti-TNFα, integrin blockade, IL-12/23 and IL-23 inhibition, JAK inhibitors, S1P receptor modulators, microRNA modulation, senomorphics, mesenchymal cell therapy, and microbiome interventions. We endorse biomarker-guided therapy and propose future directions to break the SASP-driven inflammatory loop and mitigate long-term carcinogenic risk. Full article

This study analyzes global data on human exposure to pesticides, focusing on glyphosate, POPs, carbamates, and organophosphates, which are among the most widely used in agricultural and urban environments, providing an overview of global human contamination by these substances. Current research has increasingly focused on the unintended consequences of pesticide use, including food, water, and soil contamination, biodiversity loss (especially beneficial insects such as pollinators), and the growing evidence of adverse impacts on human health (neurological, reproductive, endocrine, and carcinogenic effects). Therefore, we compiled information from several existing studies that evaluated pesticide residues in human biological samples, specifically urine, blood, and breast milk, to assess the extent of exposure. The analysis takes a global perspective, highlighting the importance of monitoring exposure in countries that demonstrate exceptionally high pesticide use (in terms of absolute volume), such as Brazil, the United States, and China, which are among the largest global consumers. The data cover both contemporary pesticides, whose consumption is driven by intensive agriculture in these and other countries, and persistent legacy compounds (POPs) that continue to circulate in nature and accumulate in the human body decades after their ban in many countries. Globally, there is a wide disparity in global regulations, and many developing countries continue to use pesticides that have been banned or severely restricted in more developed nations. Finally, it provides a critical overview of global data on human pesticide contamination. The data reinforce the critical importance of establishing preventive initiatives and strengthening surveillance and monitoring systems to detect and control pesticide residues in human populations globally, ultimately aiming to mitigate the harms of chronic pesticide exposure to human health and well-being. Full article

Hair dyes are widely used cosmetic products that can contain trace metals and metalloids, posing potential health risks through dermal exposure. This study aimed to assess and compare the concentrations of selected metals and metalloids in six brands of commercial hair dyes sold in Brazil and Paraguay and to evaluate their average daily dermal exposure doses, hazard quotients, hazard indices, and carcinogenic risk. Concentrations of Cr, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, As, Al, Pb, Ba, Ag, and Zn in hair dye were quantified by standardized analytical methods. The Paraguayan brand showed the highest levels for several elements, including As (4.17 mg/kg), Al (130.276 mg/kg), and Fe (30.033 mg/kg). Estimated dermal exposure doses reached up to 3.35 × 10⁻⁶ mg/kg/day for arsenic, 1.68 × 10⁻³ mg/kg/day for aluminum, and 8.59 × 10⁻⁸ mg/kg/day for chromium. Although all hazard indices remained below 1, suggesting low non-carcinogenic risk, the calculated carcinogenic risk for arsenic in the Paraguayan product was 1.23 × 10⁻⁵, entering the medium-risk range. These findings highlight relevant differences in raw material control and potential cumulative health risks, especially for frequent users. Continuous quality control, harmonized regulatory standards, clear labeling, and further biomonitoring studies are strongly recommended to minimize long-term exposure to toxic elements in hair dye formulations and to ensure safer consumer products. Full article

Mining and smelting release potentially toxic elements (PTEs) that threaten ecosystems and public health. However, comprehensive risk assessments of PTEs across environmental media near mining areas remain scarce. The Laoguan River Basin is located in southwestern Henan Province, China. It lies within the water source area of China’s South-to-North Water Diversion Middle Route Project. This area has high geographic and ecological importance. In this study, we analyzed the pollution characteristics of PTEs in the water–soil–crop system. We also performed a source-oriented health risk assessment by integrating Monte Carlo simulation with source apportionment. According to this study, Mo and Sb were the predominant contaminants in soils and water. Pb, Cr, and Ni were elevated in crops. The health risk assessment indicated that PTEs in surface water were at acceptable levels. In contrast, PTEs in soils pose both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, particularly to children. The estimated risks were 1% (non-carcinogenic) and 64% (carcinogenic), with ingestion as the primary exposure pathway. Source apportionment showed that the surface water pollution was mainly linked to diverse mining activities. Soil pollution was jointly influenced by the geological background and mining and agricultural activities. Crop pollution was primarily associated with mining and agricultural activities. Geological background and mining were the main driving factors of the increased health risks for children. They accounted for 83% of the non-carcinogenic risk and 79% of the carcinogenic risk. Overall, these results are crucial for pollution control, safeguarding public health and safety, and promoting balanced economic and ecological development. Full article

This study collected 427 cultivated topsoil samples from the Mohe watershed in Tangcheng County, eastern China. By integrating positive matrix factorization (PMF) for quantitative source apportionment with self-organizing maps (SOMs) for spatial clustering, we effectively identified pollution factors and conducted a systematic evaluation of pollution sources, environmental capacity, and health risks. The results show that: (1) the soils were slightly acidic and enriched in Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, and Pb, with Cd and Hg showing high spatial variability linked to anthropogenic inputs. (2) Quantitative source apportionment indicated that 25.9% of heavy metals (As, Cr, Ni, Pb) originated mainly from natural pedogenic sources, while agricultural activities contributed 20.8% (Cd) and 42.8% (Cu, Zn). Hg (10.5%) enrichment was attributed to residential coal combustion and wind patterns, demonstrating source-specific anthropogenic influences. (3) The environmental capacity assessment indicated a moderate capacity level across the study area. However, the improved index (PI_min) revealed overload phenomena at localized sites, and these overloaded areas exhibited high spatial consistency with the distributions of agricultural and mixed sources. (4) Health risk evaluation indicated that hand-to-mouth ingestion was the dominant exposure pathway, with children facing significantly higher risks than adults. Non-carcinogenic risks remained within safe limits, but carcinogenic risks were non-negligible, with 86.7% of sites exceeding the threshold for children, especially in cultivated lands and riverbank villages. Findings underscore the importance of addressing synergistic effects of natural and agricultural sources in watershed management and prioritizing children’s health protection. Full article

Tattoos and permanent makeup involve intradermal pigment deposition and may introduce toxic trace elements into the body. Despite increasing popularity, harmonized EU regulations on tattoo ink composition only came into force in 2022 under REACH. This study evaluated the chemical safety of 41 commercially available inks in the EU following the implementation of these restrictions. Twelve heavy metals were analyzed (Cd, Pb, As, Hg, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Co, Sb, Se, Mn). Copper showed the highest concentrations (mean 1751 mg/kg; max 25,701 mg/kg), while cadmium was lowest (mean 0.13 mg/kg). Exceedances of EU limits were recorded for Ni (24 samples), As (20), Cr(VI) (16), Cu (10), Sb (8), Co (6), and Pb (5); mercury was not detected in any ink. Dermal exposure was modeled across three tattooing scenarios using SED, MoS, HQ, and LCR indicators. Unacceptable non-cancer risk (MoS < 100) was mainly associated with copper (up to 85.4% of products), with additional concerns for zinc and arsenic (~50% of samples in higher-use scenarios). HQ values > 1 were most frequent for Ni, Cr(VI), and Cu, affecting up to 68.3%, 43.9%, and 58.5% of inks, respectively. Lifetime cancer risk above 1 × 10⁻⁴ was observed for nickel in several products. Despite recently tightened European regulations, a substantial share of inks remains non-compliant and may pose carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks, underscoring the need for continued market surveillance and enforcement. Full article

Cancer is a major global health concern. Head and neck cancers are the sixth most prevalent type of cancer globally; it has been suggested that these cancers can be caused due to pesticide exposure during agricultural activities. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether agricultural labor is associated with an increased risk of head and neck cancers. A case–control study was performed in Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Tanzania: a national, specialized cancer hospital. A total of 298 head and neck cases and 305 controls were included. Occupational history and information about lifestyle factors and diet were obtained by interview. Using logistic regression analyses and adjusting for lifestyle and diet, an increased risk of head and neck cancer was found among workers with a history of agricultural work, with an odds ratio of 2.6 and a 95% confidence interval of 1.60–4.37. When including only non-smokers and non-alcohol users (n = 363), a similar estimate was found. Participants with over 10 years (n = 481) of agricultural work experience, after adjusting for lifestyle and diet, exhibited an odds ratio of 5.1, with a 95% confidence interval of 2.56–9.94. Our findings indicate that agricultural work is associated with the risk of head and neck cancer. Carcinogens in agriculture should be examined in future studies. Full article

Lung cancer remains one of the most common and lethal malignancies worldwide, with poor prognosis largely due to late-stage diagnosis and resistance to therapy. Emerging evidence indicates that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in cancer development, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Particulate matter (PM), a major environmental pollutant and recognized Group 1 carcinogen, has been linked to lung cancer through mechanisms that may involve dysregulation of lncRNA expression. This study aimed to identify PM-responsive lncRNAs in lung cancer, and investigate their potential functional roles. Microarray analysis of lung cancer cell lines A549, H358, H292, and HCC827, exposed to PM10, revealed significant up-regulation of lnc-MTPAP-1. TUNEL staining confirmed that silencing of lnc-MTPAP-1 via siRNA resulted in increased apoptosis across all tested lines. Transcriptome analysis using next-generation sequencing showed that knockdown of lnc-MTPAP-1 altered the expression of apoptosis-related genes, with up-regulation of TNS4, MyD88, and IL6R, and down-regulation of CLPTM1L and EI24. These findings suggest that lnc-MTPAP-1 may exert anti-apoptotic effects in lung cancer cells, and be involved in pollution-induced cancer progression. Further research should explore the therapeutic potential of targeting lnc-MTPAP-1, and better understand the molecular impact of PM exposure on lung cancer pathogenesis. Full article

This study examines the impact of an unintended fire at the Drava International plastic processing facility near Osijek, Croatia, on soil quality and the potential human health risks associated with agricultural soils within a 10 and 20 km radius. Surface soil samples (0–5 cm) were collected from ten locations within 10 km three days after the incident, and eight composite samples were taken from sites 10–20 km away 17 days’ post-event. Additionally, 18 control samples previously collected for soil fertility or quality monitoring were included for comparative analysis. In total, 36 agricultural soil samples were analyzed for pH, organic matter, total phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and trace elements (Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Pb). Eighteen post-fire samples were also analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Ecological risk was assessed using the pollution load index (PLI) and enrichment factor (EF), while human health risk was evaluated through the estimation of incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) and individual carcinogenic risks (CRi) for As, Cr, Ni, and Pb. Results showed that concentrations of dioxins (TEQ LB and UB), dioxin-like PCBs, and non-dioxin-like PCBs in samples within 10 km were either below detection limits or present in trace amounts (4.0 × 10⁻⁶ mg/kg). PFAS compounds were not detected (<0.0005 mg/kg). The total concentration of non-dioxin-like PCBs ranged from 0.0023 to 0.0047 mg/kg, well below the maximum permissible levels. Post-fire contamination profiles revealed consistently higher PAH concentrations in the 0–10 km zone (mean 0.100 mg/kg) compared to the 10–20 km zone (mean 0.062 mg/kg). Twenty PLI values exceeded the threshold of 1 (range: 1.00–1.26), indicating moderate pollution, while the remaining values (PLI 0.82–0.99) suggested no pollution. EF values indicated minimal to moderate enrichment (EF < 2), supporting the conclusion that metal presence was predominantly geological with limited anthropogenic influence. All ILCR values for adults and children remained below the acceptable threshold of 1 × 10⁻⁴, indicating low carcinogenic risk under both pre- and post-fire conditions. CRi values followed a consistent decreasing trend across exposure pathways: ingestion > dermal absorption > inhalation. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging airborne pollutants that can migrate through various environmental pathways, with air representing one of the most critical exposure routes. Their occurrence within suspended particulate matter (PM)—a major atmospheric pollutant associated with respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases—further amplifies the risks posed by air pollution. The main sources of airborne MPs include tire and road wear, degradation of larger plastic debris, and wind-driven resuspension from soil and landfills. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on airborne MPs, integrating methodological and toxicological perspectives. It summarizes sampling and separation procedures (filtration, chemical digestion, density separation) and analytical techniques for qualitative and quantitative identification. Particular emphasis is placed on the toxicological implications of MPs, including oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and potential carcinogenicity, as revealed by in vitro and mechanistic studies. In light of the absence of standardized methodologies, this work highlights the urgent need for harmonized protocols linking environmental monitoring with biological toxicity assessment. By combining information on analytical workflows and cellular responses, this review serves as a key reference for developing environmentally relevant experimental designs and evaluating health risks associated with airborne microplastics. It therefore bridges the gap between environmental analysis and toxicological research, outlining future priorities for methodological standardization and risk assessment. Full article

Liuyang, the primary fireworks manufacturing base in the world, is demonstrating potential metals pollution risks. In this study, 163 soil samples were collected in Liuyang City, China, for source apportionment, pollution assessment and health risk evaluation using self-organizing map, positive matrix factorization and statistical methods. Geostatistical analysis confirmed high contamination risks from Hg, Cd, Pb, and As. Samples were classified into four groups based on contamination characteristics. Pollution sources included irrigation water, fireworks enterprises, and fireworks packaging material. Cluster 1 exhibited uniformly low metals concentrations, with sampling points widely distributed across the study area. Cluster 2 samples were concentrated in the central and northern regions. The average concentration of Cr was the highest, with irrigation water contributing the most to Cr at 74%. The contribution of fireworks companies and packaging materials was 14% and 12%, respectively. Cluster 3 displayed elevated Hg and Pb levels with distinct spatial banding, where fireworks enterprises contributed 49% (Hg) and 47% (Pb), while packaging materials accounted for 37% (Hg) and 39% (Pb). Cluster 4, gathered in the southeast, showed the highest Cd and As concentrations, with fireworks companies contributing the most with 73% and 82%, respectively. Risk assessment demonstrated that children experienced greater non-carcinogenic risks from oral and dermal exposure to As, Hg, Pb, Cr, and Cd, while adults faced higher inhalation risks for Cr and Cd. Carcinogenic risks exceeded safety thresholds, with children (4.1 × 10⁻⁹–2.0 × 10⁻⁴) more vulnerable than adults (2.9 × 10⁻¹²–1.4 × 10⁻⁴). Asdult carcinogenic risks via ingestion dominated, whereas Cr posed greater risks for children through inhalation. Full article

To investigate the heavy metal contamination status and associated health risks in the groundwater of South Dongting Lake, China, 88 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for the contents of heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb). The heavy metal pollution characteristics and human health risks were comprehensively analyzed using a combined approach of the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI), Water Quality Index (WQI), and by integrating traditional health risk assessment with Monte Carlo simulation. The results indicated that manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) were the most prominent pollutants in the regional groundwater, with exceedance rates of 35.3% and 25.0%, respectively. Arsenic (As) showed localized exceedances (13.91 μg/L, 1.39 times the standard limit). Spatially, contamination levels were higher in the north and lower in the south, with Fe, Mn, and As enrichment concentrated in the northern region, correlating with geological structures and industrial discharges. Health risk assessment revealed that the total carcinogenic risk (TCR) for children (1.82 × 10⁻⁴) exceeded the safety threshold by 82%, with arsenic being the primary carcinogen (contribution rate: 74.7%). The non-carcinogenic total hazard index (HI) reached 3.59 for adults and 6.54 for children, significantly exceeding the acceptable level of 1.0. Manganese was identified as the core non-carcinogenic risk source (Hazard Quotient (HQ) for children = 3.35). Monte Carlo simulation confirmed that pollutant concentration and exposure time were the most sensitive risk-driving factors. This study provides a scientific basis for prioritizing the control of As and Mn pollution in the northern region and implementing protective measures against children’s exposure. Full article